The RÚV English Podcast: Recent Episodes
RÚV
This is The RÚV English Podcast - we hope to bring you as much of Iceland as we can in audio form - news, arts, culture, weather, music, the Icelandic language, "new Icelanders" who've made Iceland their home, and much more. Subscribe to The RÚV English Podcast to hear all of the new episodes as they appear.
Today on RÚV English, the latest in a series looking at things which were illegal or impossible in Iceland, until just a few decades ago. While not exactly banned, there was no TV on Thursdays in Iceland until a few decades ago. Or, for that matter, in the whole of July... Darren is again at the National Museum of Iceland to speak to Helga Vollertsen, Curator of Ethnology, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English travels back to the birth of the Icelandic capital. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, an open excavation uncovers the city's Viking Age history. Darren met with Jón Páll Björnsson at the capital's Settlement Exhibition on Aðalstræti, to learn more about Reykjavík's past, and what the city means, and has meant, for the nation. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is joined by aviation expert Andrei Menshenin to examine the history of Iceland's main international airport. Keflavíkurflugvöllur, or Keflavík Airport, which includes The Leifur Eiríksson International Air Terminal, is the point of entry and exit for the majority of those coming into and leaving Iceland. It has quite a history. Today, Andrei goes through it with Darren. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks ahead to next week's Vaka Folk Music Weekend. The Vaka Folk Music Weekend started in Akureyri in 2015, and was held in Reykjavík for the first time in 2019. It is a weekend dedicated to traditional music and the communities around it. Vaka is a 3-day celebration in the capital,that brings together the essence of Icelandic heritage through the enchanting melodies, vibrant rhythms, and timeless stories of folk music. 2023 marks the event's full, post-Covid return. The schedule of events can be found at https://www.vakareykjavik.is/about Darren spoke to organiser and musician Chris Foster, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the recent anti-whaling protests at Reykjavík Harbour. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-09-05-enn-tha-motmaeli-i-hvalveidi-skipum-391021 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, the latest in a series looking at things which were illegal or impossible in Iceland, until just a few decades ago. Dogs were effectively banned as pets, until surprisingly recently. Darren is again at the National Museum of Iceland to speak to Helga Vollertsen, Curator of Ethnology, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English finds out about some free and fun Icelandic language lessons taking place in Reykjavík City Library. Free Icelandic practice meet-ups are underway from the 9th September at the library. It's a chance to "spjöllum með hreim", or "speak with an accent", and get to know other people who are learning too! The weekly meet-ups are for anyone who wants to practice their Icelandic speaking skills in a friendly and relaxed environment with experienced teachers. There are lots of different activities, all FREE, and all intended to help you speak and learn with confidence - and without pressure. See https://borgarbokasafn.is/en/lets-chat-accent for more details. Darren went to meet Martyna Karolina Daniel and Hildur Björgvinsdóttir from the project, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Darren's guest today on RÚV English is musician and swimmer Már Gunnarsson. Már talk about his music career and musical studies in the UK, his recent competition in the Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester, and his successful battle to ensure that huge travel costs no longer land on blind Icelanders when they travel with their guide dogs. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is at the Icelandic Museum of Rock & Roll. The museum - https://www.rokksafn.is/en - traces the history of modern music in Iceland, back to the first popular songs and recordings made by Icelanders, and takes the country's musical story right up to date. Darren is guided through the museum by Tómas Young, and even attempts to play a few of the musical instruments available, some more successfully than others. The visit coincides with the Night of Lights cultural and family festival - https://www.ljosanott.is/en Cultural focus is the hallmark of the festival, and music and art have always been at the forefront, as Reykjanesbær is a long-established musical town (as the museum demonstrates!) You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of summer burglaries in Reykjavík. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-07-27-morg-innbrot-a-hofudborgar-svaedinu-388781 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, the latest in a series looking at things which were illegal or impossible in Iceland, until just a few decades ago. Until the 1970s, milk could only be purchased in special milk shops - not in supermarkets, or any other kind of store - supposedly for reasons of hygiene. Darren is again at the National Museum of Iceland to speak to Helga Vollertsen, Curator of Ethnology, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, we look at a chance to freshen up your home decor, at no cost! Do you have any art or home decor you don't enjoy or don't have enough space for anymore? You can bring them for a swap in Sólheimar City Library and exchange them for some other kind of decor someone else brought to the swap. The art swap market is one of many markets that will take place in Sólheimar City Library this year. Darren went to the library and spoke to Guðríður Sigurbjörnsdóttir and Lísbet Perla Gestsdóttir about the art swap, and the many other markets that take place there. See more information here: https://borgarbokasafn.is/en/event/arts-crafts/home-decor-art-swap-market You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, we look at a new video game, developed here in Iceland. Icelandic games company Ghosts has unveiled their all-new, time-trial racer game, called Phantom Spark. It's out early next year. Darren caught up with Joon Van Hove and Torfi Ásgeirsson at their HQ in hafnar.haus in Reykjavík, to hear all about the game, and the company. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
We listen to a selection of music made by Icelandic musicians of colour today, on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður. Tracks played on today's show: Retro Stefson - Skin Unnsteinn Manuel - Talkin' Bout a Revolution (LIVE í Tónatali á RÚV) Logi Pedro - Svarta ekkja Aron Can - BLESSUN EÐA BÖLVUN Ragna Kjartansdóttir/Cell 7 - City Lights Ezekiel Carl - Fara Upp NonyKingz - Fia Burn You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of whether seals are endangered in Iceland. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-08-01-faerri-selir-saust-en-i-fyrra-389046 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, the first in a new series looking at things which were illegal or impossible in Iceland, until just a few decades ago. Until 1989, beer was illegal in Iceland, or at least anything stronger than just over two percent proof. These weak ales were sometimes mixed with vodka, which, like other spirits and wine, was legal. The result was to badly - and somewhat disgustingly - approximate full strength beer, until the ban was finally lifted. Darren went to the National Museum of Iceland to speak to Helga Vollertsen, Curator of Ethnology, to find out more. Skál! You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks ahead to an international festival in Akranes next month. Taking place at the Jáðarbakki sports hall in the town, The Festival of Nations (Þjóðahátið Vesturlands) - https://www.facebook.com/festivalnationsiceland - is a cultural initiative that aims to highlight the diversity of nations represented among the Icelandic population, and and foster a sense of understanding among different communities. As ever, there will be many nations represented with performances, sampling from various countries' national food, handcrafts and much more, as well as lots of information about different cultures, and multicultural performances. This year the festival takes place on Saturday 16 September, between 2 and 5pm, and is free and family-friendly. If you would like to represent your nation in any way, perhaps by cooking or performing, or in some other way, the organisers ask you to go here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfphkFVYUZ5yLccshx0RtgiRTiTgFfsJxCifKmRdK0KojHapw/viewform - and and complete an application. Darren spoke to Raquel Herrera and Maxine Hagen from the festival, at the Andrými social centre in Reykjavík (https://andrymi.org/), about the fun that lies in store in Akranes next month. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today RÚV English is in Kópavogur, looking ahead to the Hamraborg Festival. Hamraborg Festival focuses on visual arts, site-specific works, performance art and social engagements. It takes place every year at the end of August in Hamraborg, Kópavogur. This year's festival will be held between August 25th to 27th, with exhibitions open for a week between August 23rd to 30th. Every year the program includes art exhibitions, events, performance art pieces, music concerts, readings, screenings, dance works, street art and workshops open for everyone. All exhibitions take place in the Hamraborg district, where for a whole week local shops, offices, public places, bars and restaurants turn into exhibition spaces. And all events are completely free! Details are at https://www.hamraborgfestival.is Darren is joined by Joanna Pawlowska from the festival and artist Elísabet Birta Sveinsdóttir to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
We look at the rich history of rap and hip hop in Iceland today, on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the genre. Tracks played on today's show: Guðmundur Jónsson - Lax lax lax Quarashi - Stick 'Em Up Subterranean - Central Magnetizm XXX Rottweiler Hundar - Brekkusöngur Afkvæmi Guðanna - Húllumhæ Emmsjé Gauti - Reykjavík Shades of Reykjavík - Skuggar Úlfur Úlfur - Tarantúlur Reykjavíkurdætur - Kalla Mig Hvað? Ghostigital - Don't Push Me You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of eagle numbers rising again in Iceland. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-08-03-ornum-fjolgar-a-islandi-389147 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Borgarnes. We return to the Borgarnes Museum to take a look at the Oh, To Be A Bird exhibition - https://safnahus.is/oh-to-be-a-bird/ - originally based on the life work of two taxidermists, Kristján Geirmundsson and Jón M. Guðmundsson, it has specimens of over 205 birds of 116 species, including some that are considered very rare outside of Iceland. Darren is again guided through the exhibits by the museum's Kolbrún Björnsdóttir. The museum is free to enter and enjoy. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English examines the support enjoyed by football teams across Iceland. Brandon Piel is an American student at the University Centre of the Westfjords in Ísafjörður. Since coming to Iceland, he has keenly followed the fortunes of local football team Íþróttafélagið Vestri, sometimes driving for hours to see them play as they travel across the country to away fixtures. Darren talks to Brandon about being a loyal Vestri fan, and the other football fans in Iceland who cover big distances to watch their teams play. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren's guest is journalist Josie Gaitens. They look back on a weekend of two massive celebrations: Pride in the capital, and Dalvík's Great Fish Festival. Also under discussion are the cruise ships coming to Iceland in ever greater numbers, and the loss of a beloved Icelandic word from the name of a well-known furniture store! You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
We look at the rich history of reggae and dub music in Iceland today, on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the genre. Tracks played on today's show: Hjálmar, Prins Póló - Grillið inn Hjálmar - Lof AmabAdama - Óráð Ojba Rasta - Jolly Good Teitur Magnússon - Vinur vina minna RVK Soundsystem - Formaður Omnipus - Fractals You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the President being a guest of honour at a German heavy metal festival! Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-08-03-forsetinn-serstakur-gestur-a-thungarokks-hatid-389161 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English finds out more about Icelandic national dress, at the Borgarnes Museum. The West Iceland town of Borgarnes is home to a museum (https://safnahus.is/the-borgarnes-museum/) which currently houses a fascinating exhibition of various Icelandic national dress. Kolbrún Björnsdóttir showed Darren around the exhibits, and explained the importance of dress and clothing to Iceland's national story. The exhibition - free to enter - runs until September 10. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Akranes. Founded in 1959, the Akranes Folk Museum is the place to learn about the past of this West Iceland town, and its surroundings. Darren met with museum director Jón Allansson for a tour of the exhibits, which bring to life the history of the town which stretches back almost all the way to Iceland's first settlement. Find out more at https://www.museum.is/enska You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, many Icelanders are off, having enjoyed the Verslunarmannahelgi, or "commerce weekend". What is the day about? Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Pétur Magnússon to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
A look at a very special institution Iceland today, on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the work of the Iceland Music Information Centre, and the music that they preserve and advocate. See more at https://www.mic.is/ Music played on today's episode: Jórunn Viðar -Eldur Atli Heimir Sveinsson - minning Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson - Fipur Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson - La Jolla Good Friday I Anna Guðný Guðmundsdóttir, Guðni Franzson - Flug Tobias Guttman, Ingólfur Vilhjálmsson - 337° Anna Þorvaldsdóttir - Metacosmos Veronique Vaka - Gætni You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
RÚV English today looks ahead to this year's Reykjavík Marathon. The Marathon has taken place every year since 1984, in the centre of Reykjavik. It always happens on Saturday, August 18th or the Saturday after - this year, that's the 19th of the month. The race starts and ends in the City Centre of Reykjavik nearby The Pond (Tjörnin), and there are four different events to choose from. Darren spoke to event manager Hrefna Hlín Sveinbjörnsdóttir about the marathon, its history, the sights that runners will see, and how to register if you fancy running. Find out more at https://www.rmi.is/en The Marathon date also marks the anniversary of Reykjavik City. Reykjavik Culture Night (Menningarnótt) takes place in the capital on the same day, one of the most popular events in Iceland and the city's greatest celebration. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the helicopters which fly over the capital to see the eruption at Litli-Hrútur, and plans to move their flight path. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-08-01-borgin-vill-faera-thyrluflug-389042 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, Darren marks the height of summer, by getting decidedly festive. Litla Jólabúðin - the little Christmas shop - sits in the middle of downtown Reykjavík, and is open all year round. Who, other than Xmas-obsessive Darren, visits such a place before December? The happy answer is that very many people do; tourists from around the world as well as city residents looking for their festive fix. Escaping the punishing fifteen-degree heat of a Reykjavík summer, Darren gets his tinsel on and meets the new owners of Litla Jólabúðin, María Björk Viðarsdóttir and Jóna Jóhanna Steinþórsdóttir, for some Christmas In July (almost). This episode may contain traces of Mariah Carey. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined again by his RÚV colleague Oddur Þórðarson to talk volcanoes, banks, politics - and mould. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English previews the Reykjavík music festival for those who don't want to leave town next weekend. Innipúkinn is a 3-day annual music festival held in Reykjavik during the first weekend of August. During that weekend, much of the capital heads off to the countryside for the "merchants' holiday weekend", or Verslunarmannahelgin, and many will go camping out of the city. The Innipúkinn music festival however more than looks after those who don't, with some excellent tunes and a fantastic city festival vibe. Darren went to the Röntgen Bar in downtown Reykjavik, one of the venues, to meet Steinþór Helgi Arnsteinsson from the festival, and find out more. The festival takes place from 4-6 August at Gamla bíó and Röntgen, and Ingólfstræti street between the venues. Get tickets and find out more at https://tix.is/en/event/15580/innipukinn-2023/ and https://www.facebook.com/Innipukinnfestival/ You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the firefighting which has gone on across the Reykjanes peninsula since the Litli-Hrútur eruption began, Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-07-26-slokkvilid-flytur-tankbila-ad-grodur-eldum-388688 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks forward to a new exhibition, but also back 40 years to see why it might not be so new, after all. In 1983, two Norwegian artists Göran Ohldieck and Kjetil Berge came to Iceland. The purpose of the trip was to set up a large exhibition titled MASKS at the Nordic House in Reykjavík - over 200 photograps and slides bubbling with queer aesthetics. In fact, not many people saw the exhibition as it only lasted for two days. The artists packed up the exhibition and left the country. The then management of The Nordic House were said to have wanted to censor the exhibition and asked the artists to remove "undesirable" works from the exhibition. The artists did not comply and packed the exhibition and left the country. Now, 40 years later, it is time to reveal the exhibition's history, have a conversation about it and the censorship of queer art and artists. The exhibition that was never held will be opened to the public, at The Nordic House, under the curatorship of Ynda Eldborg on August 10, 2023. Darren spoke to original artist Kjetil Berge about his and Göran's experience, and how he's looking forward to returning to Iceland after four decades have passed. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Hólmavík, heading back to the seventeenth century, and the age of sorcery and witchcraft in Strandir, in Iceland's Westfjords. The Westfjords town of Hólmavík is home to the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft, a museum dedicated to the folklore and history of those practises in Iceland. The museum contains various permanent and special exhibitions on subjects such as the "necropants", Icelandic magical staves, Tilberi and Icelandic grimoires. An upstairs area focuses on the history of witch hunts in Iceland, and the genealogy of witches and their accusers. It is a fascinating and slightly spooky place, and Darren was guided through its exhibits by Anna Björg Þórarinsdóttir. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
A new episode of The Week In Iceland today - Darren's guest is his RÚV colleague Ingunn Lára Kristjánsdóttir. The volcanic eruption continues to dominate, but the helicopter trips to see it are causing a noise nuisance for many capital area residents. Also under discussion, the low pollen count so far in 2023, the fall in inflation and hopes of an interest rate cut, and whether all of the cruise ship day trippers to Grímsey should make a bigger financial contribution to the island's infrastructure. The show plays out with "Eða", the latest track from Icelandic techno legends GusGus. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
We look at the rich history of experimental music in Iceland today on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the genre. Tracks played on today's show: Magnús Blöndal Jóhannsson - Fjórar Abstraktsjónir Lárus Halldór Grímsson - Hotel Þingvellir Þorsteinn Hauksson - Psychomachia Christo Karólína Eiríksdóttir - In Vultu Solis Kjartan Ólafsson - Voices Variations Kjartan Ólafsson - Pars pro toto - en andinn er veikur Eygló Harðardóttir and Ríkharður H. Friðriksson - Hustle and Bustle II Skúli Sverrisson, Óskar Guðjónsson - The Box Tree Magnús Jóhann - Hóflegt yfirlæti You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the ducks which have made their way into a swimming pool in north Iceland, and left behind some unwelcome memories of their visit... Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-07-20-endur-til-vandraeda-a-laugum-388345 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Ísafjörður - looking at the everyday. The Westfjords town of Ísafjörður is home to The Museum of Everyday Life, which, as the name suggests, celebrates and explores the items we use every day, and what they say about us and our lives: https://hvers.is/visit/ The museum gathers photos, stories, smells, memories - and footwear - and preserves what they have to tell us: https://hvers.is/manifesto/ The museum is created by artists Vaida and Björg. Darren met with Björg, together with interns Bella and Sophia, to have his senses stimulated and his memories provoked, by the most interesting of everyday items. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Here on RÚV English we strive to bring not just Iceland but RÚV to the world in English. Svetlana Tshikanoskaya is the leader of the Belarus opposition, now living in exile in Vilnius, Lithuania, from where she directs her political opposition to Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus. Svetlana's husband, Sergei, is currently a political prisoner in Belarus, along with at least nearly 1500 others. Svetlana and their children have not seen him for three years. Svetlana was at the NATO summit, attending and organizing side-events. At one of those, she gave a special award to Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir, Iceland's minister of foreign affairs, for her steadfast support of the democratic opposition in Belarus. RÚV's Brussels correspondent Björn Malmquist met with Svetlana. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Ísafjörður. Piotr Karczmarek is a musician, sound engineer, promoter, guitar maker, concert organiser, brand ambassador for a synth company... if you have requirements in the area of sound in the Westfjords, Piotr is likely your man! He took time from an ever-busy day to talk to Darren in Ísafjörður. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, Darren is in Flateyri, in the Westfjords. The Old Bookstore in Flateyri (https://flateyribookstore.com/) is the oldest original store in Iceland. It sells beautiful old Icelandic books by weight as well as new publications, local products and luxury goods. However, it is also where you can see a genuine Icelandic house, unchanged since 1950 - the former home of Jón and Guðrún. They lived in the apartment from the year 1915 onwards, and nothing has been altered. Jón and Guðrún were part of the bookstore family who have owned the home and shop for generations. Darren meets Eyþór Jóvinsson at the store, for a look at the books - and into the past. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is joined by aviation expert Andrei Menshenin to calms fears of flight disruption! The eruption at Litli-Hrútur is very different from the famous Eyjafjallajökull event of 2010, which closed airspace above Europe for weeks. That's because this time we are seeing a fissure eruption: the magma is not forcing its way through water or a glacier, so no ash is thrown up into the atmosphere. Aviation journalist Andrei Menshenin is here with Darren to put your mind at ease about the impact - or lack thereof - that this eruption will have on flights. The conversation was recorded just moments before police closed the hiking route to the eruption site. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English talks to Valur Grettisson, on day 3 of the eruption. Darren Adam is joined by his colleague Valur Grettisson, known to literally millions for his coverage of eruptions in Iceland in 2021 and 2022, to assess where we are on day three of Litli-Hrútur. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Here on RÚV English we strive to bring not just Iceland but RÚV to the world in English. Björn Malmquist, our Brussels correspondent, on a coffee break outside the EU council building last week, randomly met Petro Poroshenko, president of Ukraine from 2014 - 2019, until he lost to Volodymyr Zelensky, the current president. Poroshenko is now a member of the Ukrainian parliament and was in Brussels with a delegation of parliamentarians to talk about Ukraine's application to become member of the European Union. After a lengthy meeting at the European Parliament, Björn got the chance to sit down with Poroshenko, and speak to him about Ukraine's struggle against the Russian invasion, the EU application and other issues. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Our show was recorded at 11am on Monday. Darren fervently hopes that there isn't a volcanic eruption before the episode publishes some time after 4pm, otherwise his conversation with RÚV Polski's Margrét Adamsdóttir is going to sound very dated, very quickly! We cover - yes, the earthquakes and possible eruption - but also beer, walruses, festivals and weather. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
We look at synth-punk in Iceland today on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the genre. Tracks played on today's show: Kaelan Mikla - Lítil Dýr Guðir hins nýja tíma - Dansa burtu tárin Dauðyflin - Frelsið til að vera kúguð eða kúga aðra BÖRN - Vonin er drepin Þórir Georg - Years and years and years Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, a new episode of Auðskilið, from RÚV English. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of earthquake activity around Mýrdalsjökull from a week ago - obviously, it is fair to say, there has been a bit more activity in a different part of Iceland since this episode was recorded! Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-06-27-jardskjalfti-i-myrdals-jokli-386496 - we start just under the image. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks ahead to a film festival taking place in Akranes later this month. IceDocs - the Iceland Documentary Film Festival, will be held for the fifth time this July. It?s hosted on July 19th to July 23rd in the town of Akranes. The festival will feature a number of the very best of the world?s documentaries, as well as a high quality music programme, pub quizzes, beach parties, film related events and a children?s programme. Darren is joined by Anna Björnsson to hear more. Find out all about the festival at www.icedocs.is Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today RÚV English is in Súðavík, at the Arctic Fox Centre. The Arctic Fox Centre is a non-profit research and exhibition centre, focusing on the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) - the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. The Centre occupies the beautiful Eyrardalsbæ house, the oldest building in the village with a place in the heart of Súðavík. Darren talks to Genka and Ivana about the work of the centre, and meets their two famous residents: arctic foxes Mist and Mia! Find out more about the centre here - https://www.melrakki.is/generated-homepage/home/about-us/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
A new episode of The Week In Iceland today from RÚV English. Darren is in Ísafjörður, and his guest is Ingibjörg Rósa Björnsdóttir, Marketing and Web Manager at the University Centre of the Westfjords. To discuss: opportunities to learn Icelandic as a foreign language online, the Íslandsbanki report, Kuba's house reposession, inflation falling (a bit), and a likely merger for two Westfjords municipalities (and why Icelandic tunnels are awesome). Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
We hit the century looking at Icelandic indie here today on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the indie scene in Iceland. Tracks played on today's show: Prins Póló - París Norðursins Hjaltalín - Waterfall BSÍ - My knee against kyriarchy Ólafur Kram - Aumingja Þuríður Gróa - Ég skal bíða eftir þér Skrattar - Ógisslegt Skoffín - SÆTAR STELPUR Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, a new episode of Auðskilið, from RÚV English. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of Kuba, a disabled man whose house was sold after he failed to pay a variety of bills. It's a fast moving story and may have moved on more than once by the time you hear this. Follow along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-06-28-missti-husid-sitt-a-naudungar-uppbodi-386553 - we start just under the image. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English finds out about the Women's Story Circle. It creates chances for immigrant women and Icelandic women to exchange anecdotes and be creative together. One of the activities that takes place involves growing and tending plants in the Nordic House greenhouse, which is where Darren met Liliane, one of the Story Circle hosts, and Marion, board member of the Women Of Multicultural Ethnicity Network in Iceland, an umbrella group which includes the Story Circle project. There's more about the Story Circle here - https://www.facebook.com/soguhringur/about_details - and the Network here - https://womeniniceland.is/en/we-are-w-o-m-e-n/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks ahead to a very special film festival. In Iceland's far north-west, deep into the most inaccessible part of the Westfjords, a series of films are soon to show in four very special venues. Hornstrandir, which can only be reached by boat or by hiking, will see four temporary cinemas pop up in July, to show a selection of environmentally-themed films from a diverse range of filmmakers. For anyone who can't get to Hornstrandir - which will be many - there will be opportunities to stream the films in September. See the programme and find out more here - https://www.hornstrandirfilmfestival.com/ Darren's guest is Bjarney Ludviksdottir, a freelance director and producer who has worked in the marketing and film industry for many years, and one of the team behind the festival. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, a new episode of The Week In Iceland, from RÚV English. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Hallgrímur Indriðason, to look back on the last seven days here in Iceland. Much to discuss this week - the report into the Íslandsbanki share sale, the Nordic Council of Ministers meeting on Vestmannaeyjar, suspension of the whaling licence, living on Rockall for two months, and good news for Már and his guide dog Max. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the black metal scene in Iceland. Tracks played on today's show: Icecross - Jesus Freaks Wormlust - Á altari mesitarans Misþryming - Blóðhefnd Svartidauði - Wolves Of A Red Sun NYIÞ - Til Eru Hræ Naðra - Fórn Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
RÚV English unpacks the last-minute decision to suspend whaling in Iceland this summer. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Valur Grettisson to find out why Iceland's Minister of Food decided to suspend the licence given to hunt whales this summer, just one day before it was due to begin. The move has met with anger from workers, unions, and even politicians in the same coalition government as the Minister. How much support is there for a complete ban on whaling in Iceland - and does this decision mean it's now effectively ended anyway? Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English joins the ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations of Icelandic food processing solutions company Marel. The company has been a fixture in the capital area since its creation there in 1983, and now spreads its wings into dozens of other countries, offering software, machinery, systems and solutions to the poultry, meat and fish processing industries, as well as those involved in the production of new plant-based material. Marel is a truly international company, and that's especially obvious at its Garðabær HQ, where workers from all over the world keep the business running and expanding. Darren is joined by Stacey Katz, Chief Financial Officer, Danae Acevedo, Marketing Project Coordinator, Daniel Niddam, Industry Sales Manager, and Bing Yu, Business Intelligence Solutions Architect, who between them hail from three different continents! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is back in the Nordic House in Reykjavík. The Nordic House is a Nordic culture centre and one of the institutions for cultural cooperation between the Nordic and the Baltic countries. Darren is joined by Sabina Westerholm, director of the House, to find out more about what it does, what you can see, and why it's always worth a visit! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks at a hazards and climate conference, hosted at the Icelandic Met Office last month. The EMERGE project was created to look at the regional and remote aspects of a changing climate from the perspective of natural hazards, in a variety of northern countries, including Iceland. Darren spoke to a number of participants in the conference - his guests are: Dr. Chris White, from the University of Strathclyde, Head of the Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability and Public Health at the University Matthew Roberts, Managing Director of Service and Research at the Icelandic Met Office Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Iceland Michael Cranston, lead forecaster for flood hazards in Scotland Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. Darren is back in Siglufjörður to join music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou, to examine the history of country music made in Iceland. Tracks played on today's show: Axel O - Island In The North KK - Kærleikur og tími Vinir Dóra og Chicago Beau - No more Alcohol Klaufur - Lífið er ferlega flókið Sycamore Tree - Wild Wind Sigrun Stella - Baby Blue Many thanks again to the Folk Music Centre (Þjóðlagasetur) in Siglufjörður for hosting the recording of this and our other music history episodes. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, a new episode of Auðskilið from RÚV English. Atli is back to read through the story of Háskólabíói, the university cinema which is to stop showing films. Follow and read along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-06-06-haett-ad-syna-kvikmyndir-i-haskolabioi - we start just below the image. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English hears the amazing story of skyr - the Icelandic cheese seemingly rebranded as a dessert. Iceland's cheese and dairy queen Eirný Sigurðardóttir (https://www.instagram.com/icelandcheesequeen/?hl=en) takes Darren through a millennia of skyr's story, and how it - or something like it but different - ended up for sale in an "Icelandic style" in many places. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks ahead to this year's Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður. Darren's guest is Jökull "Tandri" Ámundason from the Viking society Rimmugýgur. He explains exactly what to expect in this Viking town between June 14 and 18. See the programme of events at https://www.facebook.com/rimmugygur Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks into cycling 1000km around the Westfjords... The Arna Westfjords Way Challenge follows the Westfjords Way ? a bikepacking route established with the help of the Westfjords Tourism office and scouting team Chris Burkard, Lael Wilcox, Rue Kaladyte, Payson McElveen, and Nichole Baker. It totals 954 km [593 mi] and each stage ranges from 211 to 255 km [131 to 158 mi]. It doesn't sound like it is for the faint hearted, but Darren's guest today completed it last year and will again in a few weeks. Stephen Shelesky tells Darren about the training, the sense of achievement, and a love of Iceland that has pulled him back to complete the challenge again. Find out more about the challenge at https://cyclingwestfjords.com/wfwc/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is at the Nordic House in Reykjavík, to find out about a new exhibition which opens tomorrow. For Those Who Couldn?t Cross the Sea features the works of five Middle Eastern artists. The exhibition reflects on the experiences of refugees and migrants, as well as the challenges they face in their search for a new home. Darren talks to curator Elham Fakouri, and one of the artists, Adel Abidin. The exhibition is free to view and runs from June 10 until September, in the Hvelfing exhibition space at the Nordic House. Find out more here - https://nordichouse.is/en/event/for-those-who-couldnt-cross-the-sea/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, a new episode of Auðskilið from RÚV English. Atli is back to read through the story of ÍBV becoming Iceland's handball champions. Follow and read along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-06-01-ibv-er-islandsmeistari-i-handbolta-karla - we start just below the image of the celebrating players. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, Darren meets the authors, director and performer of "Good Morning, Faggi", a musical being performed in English tonight - Wednesday 7th June (and this coming Saturday) - at the National Theatre. Gay actor Bjarni Snæbjörnsson finds his teenage diaries and is so taken by the discovery that he decides he has to write a show based on his childhood ponderings and letters to his mother - and of course, it needs to be a musical. As he navigates his personal history, he has a nervous breakdown. Knowing he still must write this play, with the support of dear friends, composer Axel Ingi and writer and director Gréta Kristín Ómarsdóttir, he tries to understand what happened to cause his mental collapse. "Good Morning, Faggi" premiered in August 2021, during Reykjavík Pride, running for two seasons. Darren is joined by Bjarni and Gréta to hear about the show, and how Bjarni's discovery of his old diaries sparked the creation of a show that has sold out over 120 times and toured extensively to venues, community spaces, and schools across Iceland. Bjarni, Gréta and Axel's theatre company is called Stertabenda (in English: "perplex") - find out more at perplex.is The episode plays out with a special version of the song "Næs", from the musical, which was reworked to become the official Pride song for 2022. An album of songs from the musical is at https://open.spotify.com/album/4TODgryZg9D7E3OzrASPAh - it's in Icelandic, but an English language version isn't far away. And you can get tickets for tonight's or Saturday's performance here - https://tix.is/is/leikhusid/buyingflow/tickets/10450/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Glæsibær, near Akureyri, to meet the hard working huskies at goHusky! goHusky is an Icelandic family owned company by Gunnar and María that offers all year round husky tours of the surrounding area - but that's not all. With eighteen adult dogs and a new handful of pups, there is no shortage of husky hair. María was always a keen knitter, and that made Gunnar wonder: could all of this hair be knitted like wool? He learned to spin the hair into a kind of husky yarn, from which María knits hats, gloves and other wonderfully warm items. Darren met the dogs, and the pups, and was surprised to hear how quiet they all were, at least apart from one moment when they all decided to burst into joyful husky song! Follow the adventures of the dogs, and the quickly growing youngsters, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gohuskyiceland/ - and find out more about meeting the dogs or taking a tour with them at https://gohusky.is/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Oddur Þórðarson to talk strikes, aid for Ukraine, opposition to whaling, and the darkest May on record. Today's episode plays out with Bakka Ekki Út by Aron Can & Birnir. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. Darren heads to Siglufjörður once again to join music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou, to examine music made in Iceland using one specific instrument: the accordion. Tracks played on today's show: Dansað á þorranum · Bragi Hlíðberg Meira fjör · Garðar Olgeirsson Síldarstúlkurnar · Grettir Björnsson Þórður sjóari · Alfreð Clausen Harmóník 2 - Sóley Sjómannavalsinn - Sigurður Ólafsson Many thanks again to the Folk Music Centre (Þjóðlagasetur) in Siglufjörður for hosting the recording of this and our other music history episodes. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, a new episode of Auðskilið from RÚV English. Atli is back to read through the story of two sibling whales, temporarily brought back indoors while one recovers. Follow and read along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-05-31-veikur-hvalur-i-vestmanna-eyjum - we start just below the image of Litla-Grá. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, Darren talks to author Sarah Thomas. Sarah's book, "The Raven's Nest", is published in paperback on 1 June, having had its hardback release last July. "The Raven's Nest" describes Sarah's experiences of visiting Iceland as an anthropologist and filmmaker in 2008. An immediate love for this country and for Bjarni, a man she meets there, turns a week-long stay into a half-decade which radically alters Sarah's understanding of herself and of the living world. She embarks on a relationship not only with Bjarni, but with the light, the language and the old wooden house they make their home. But as her marriage later falls apart, Sarah finds inspiration in the artistry of a raven's nest: a home which persists through breaking and reweaving, over and over. Sarah tells Darren about writing the book, her enduring love of Iceland, and how the country and its landscapes have become a part of her. Find out more at https://sarahthomas.net/the-ravens-nest/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks at two organisations which can help parents through a terrible loss. Darren is joined by previous RÚV English guest Pálina (https://www.facebook.com/lavikingamexicana/), and Ana Baldursdóttir, to talk about their roles with Gleym mér ei (Forget me not - https://gme.is/en/) - a non-profit organisation for those who have lost during pregnancy or during or after birth. Since 2017, Gleym mér ei has given memory boxes to parents experiencing these losses. Gleym mér ei is also part of Sorgarmiðstöð (https://sorgarmidstod.is/en/), which exists to support those who are grieving and all those who work towards their well-being. Its activities are primarily related to support, counselling, information services and education. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, a holiday Monday edition of The Week In Iceland. This week Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Alexander Kristjánsson, to look back on a week of weather, interest rates rising, inflation falling, a new direct flight route announced between the UK and Akureyri, data showing seemingly the entire TV watching nation glued to Eurovision, and new tunnels due to be built in eastern Iceland. Today's show plays out with Nanna from Of Mice And Men, and the title track from her new solo album "How To Start A Garden". Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. Punk hit Iceland in the late 70s. Darren heads to Siglufjörður once again to join music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou, to examine Iceland's take on this music. Tracks played on today's show: Fræbbblarnir - Bjor Utangarðsmenn - Blóðið er rautt Þeyr · Public Purrkur Pillnikk - Hvað get ég gert? Grýlurnar - Sísí Dúkkulísur - Pamela Vonbrigði - Ó Reykjavík Jakobínarína - His Lyrics Are Disastrous Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli is back with Darren to go through another simply written and read news story, today about the stormy weather that affected Iceland this week. Follow along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-05-23-mikill-vindur-i-dag - we start with the first main paragraph, under the image of the map. We also talk about the bizarre linguistic confusion between the Icelandic words "bakari" (bakery) and "apotek" (pharmacy), and some research that has been done into the phenomenon! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
RÚV English is in Akureyri today, at The Hof - the city's striking cultural centre. Hof Cultural Centre attracts thousands of guests from all over the country and internationally with cultural and artistic events, concerts, conferences, meetings and much more. The circular building's exterior is inspired by Icelandic igneous rocks. Darren met up with Eva Hrund Einarsdóttir, manager of The Akureyri Culture Company (Menningarfélag Akureyrar - https://www.mak.is/en), and also Þórgnýr Dýrfjörður, director of culture, marketing and tourism at Akureyri City, to hear about the artistic and cultural life of the city and northern Iceland, and how the areas punch well above their weight, both within Iceland and internationally. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Siglufjörður, at the remarkable Herring Era Museum. The inhabitants of Siglufjörður still talk of the two Norwegian 'occupations' of the area: the first undertaken by the Viking Thormódur Rammi around 900 AD, the second being the 1903 herring influx that built the world's most famous herring town. For years, the entire life of Siglufjörður centred around the herring catch and processing - the town's many salting stations and processing factories were a living reminder of that. Siglufjörður was also one of the most important ports in Iceland and, on more than one occasion, herring exported from this town accounted for over 20% of the nation's total exports. The Herring Era Museum is spread across a number of buildings, and brings to life a period of huge wealth and prosperity for this beautiful town in north Iceland. Darren is accompanied on his visit by Daníel Pétur Daníelsson, in charge of collections at the museum. Clips of music played: Landleguvalsinn by Haukur Morthens Síldarstúlkan by Sigrún Hjálmtýsdóttir Sjana síldarkokkur by Svavar Lárusson and the Monty trio Síldarstúlkurnar performed on the accordion by Grettir Björnsson These songs are from a collection of music associated with the herring years, issued in 1992. It contains recordings of 23 of the best known and most popular songs from the herring era. The album was reissued in 2011 and is widely available, also at the Herring Museum. Find the museum online at http://www.sild.is/en/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is on the road, at Þingvellir. Þingvellir National Park is the site of Iceland's first Parliament, dating back nearly eleven hundred years. But it's also right at the point where the European and American continents are still slowly pulling apart. This historical, political and geological marvel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-visit for travellers and Icelanders alike. Darren meets Torfi Stefán Jónsson, interpretative planner at the Park, for a deep dive back into the past. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. The "New Wave" washed over Iceland in the late 70s and early 80s, much as it did in many other places. Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou joins Darren in Siglufjörður once again, to examine Iceland's take on this music. Tracks played on today's show: S. H. Draumur - Ostrur Q4U - Böring Taugadeildin - Guðir Hins Nýja Tíma Grafík - Þúsund sinnum segðu já EGO - Stórir strákar fá raflost Sonus Futurae - Skyr með rjóma Lóla - Fornaldarhugmyndir Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks ahead to the Nordic Women In Tech Awards, coming to Iceland later this year. Darren is joined by Paula Gould, co-founder of WomenTechIceland (https://www.womentechiceland.com), together with board member Alondra Silva Muñoz, and Plamena Cherneva, Co-founder & CEO of the Nordic Women In Tech Awards (https://nordicwomenintechawards.com). The Nordic Women in Tech Awards is an annual event organized by non-profit organisation WonderCoders to recognise and celebrate the achievements of female role models, who are leading the movement for more women in tech in the Nordic countries. There is still time to nominate someone you think deserves a nod - go to the awards website to find out more! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English meets artist Michelle Bird. At her Borgarnes home and studio, Darren talks to Michelle about her art, the stunning and inspiring surroundings of Borgarfjörður, and the joys of blindfold painting! Find out more about Michelle's work here: https://www.theartofmichellebird.com/ https://www.couragecreativityiceland.com/ https://www.arthouseborgarnes.com/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, amongst other things, RÚV English takes in stunning views and sounds in West Iceland. The lighthouse in Akranes, around a hour north of Reykjavík, welcomes many visitors - and musicians, who appreciate the remarkable acoustics inside the structure. Darren meets Hilmar Sigvaldason, who keeps the lighthouse open for those who want to see (and hear) what it's all about. You can climb the stairs inside, right to the top, and step outside next to the lamp for some wonderful views of Akranes and out into Faxaflói. Find out even more about the lighthouses - actually, there are two - here: https://www.facebook.com/Akranesviti/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English looks back on a busy week - and ahead to an even busier one? Darren's guest is author and journalist Valur Gunnarsson, reviewing Eurovision, whaling, the two members of Pussy Riot who are amongst Iceland's newest citizens, and the proposed "alternate airport" tax. But the conversation also turns to the rest of this week, with Iceland's presidency of the Council of Europe concluding with a major summit in the capital. Valur's latest book, and first in English, is called "What If Vikings Conquered The World?", which is published in the next few weeks. Today's show plays out with the great new single by singer-songwriter Már Gunnarsson, "Falling For You". Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Siglufjörður, with music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou. As we examine and celebrate Icelandic music genre by genre, today we reach the arrival of the electric guitar in the Icelandic music scene. This is the point at which things sound identifiably like rock'n'roll, and then start spinning off into lots of other areas. Lydia and Darren discuss how that development sounded in Iceland, with some great music along the way. Tracks played on today's show: Thor's Hammer - A Memory (https://open.spotify.com/track/4OLKzOYv94Udzl2LJa3uMb) Dátar - Gvendur á eyrinni (https://open.spotify.com/track/3u9Q9taMA44iqWISK3x4yT) Trúbrot - Just Another Face (https://open.spotify.com/track/2JWwhmZCC4hisIj5QaVfpi) Þrjú á palli - Við höldum til hafs á ný (https://open.spotify.com/track/4WZqJ1pEV8fan5Q6gNqOY5) Náttúra - Out Of The Darkness (https://open.spotify.com/track/3hLJRFK3IqXuGfdV1zGMZv) Megas - Jónas Ólafur Jóhannesson frá Hriflu (https://open.spotify.com/track/6zSZPxPpGIBuh0P3aWOR8j) Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on RÚV English, a preview of tonight's big night for Diljá, in simple Icelandic. Atli and Darren look ahead to the second semi-final, listing all of the competing countries' names, and describe the contest in simply written and read Icelandic. Follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-05-11-island-keppir-i-eurovision-i-kvold - we start just under Diljá's pic! Áfram Ísland! Áfram Diljá! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Breiðholt, and looking ahead to Saturday. This weekend, Reykjavík's family and petting zoo (Fjölskyldu- og húsdýragarðurinn) will play host to the Ambassadors in Breiðholt celebration of diversity in the capital suburb. A "cultural garden" will be set up in the zoo, with food and beverage tastings, craft sales and workshops, and performances from a variety of artists. Ambassadors in Breiðholt is a grassroots project that connects various cultural and linguistic groups in the community. Darren talks today to Tanya Korolenko about Saturday's festival and the work that is done to help newcomers to Iceland, not just in Breiðholt but across the country. (And as a Ukrainian, she also has a couple of thoughts about Eurovision...) Find out more about Saturday's fun filled day here - https://www.facebook.com/events/1746130862470760 - and, it's free! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English talks Eurovision in what is surely the spiritual home of the contest, Husavík! The 2020 comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, co-written by and starring Will Ferrell, follows the dream of a young boy from Husavík - to win the Eurovision Song Contest. In this big week, Darren talks to Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson, founder of the Husavík Eurovision Museum, about the contest and the film, and what they have meant for the town. It might be Eurovision week but as Darren hears, the museum welcomes visitors all year round. And yes - I will play Ja Ja Ding Dong. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English is in Akureyri, for an episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren joins his RÚV colleague Ólöf Rún Erlendsdóttir at the Akureyri studio to discuss the week that's been - with quakes around Katla, strikes planned by the BSRB union, Russia spying on Iceland - and Björk winning over thousands of festival-goers at Coachella. But the even bigger story is of course what's yet to come! Darren and Ólöf look ahead to the massive Eurovision week. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
On the eve of Eurovision week, Darren and music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou review every single Icelandic entry to Eurovision since the debut in 1986! Lydia also picks her favourites to play, which don't always align with the jury and public choices. See every single performance here - www.ruv.is/songvakeppnin/island-i-eurovision And it goes without saying - but let's say it anyway - áfram Diljá og áfram Ísland! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today from RÚV English, another episode of Auðskilið - the news written and read in easy to understand Icelandic. Darren is once again joined by his colleague Atli, to hear the story of 12 year old Icelandic tennis champ Garima Nitinkumar Kalugade. Follow along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-26-12-ara-islands-meistari-i-tennis - and we start just under the photo. This week there is an accompanying video of the story, in Icelandic - you can watch that on the same story page. And find more news in simple Icelandic at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English finds out about Krakkafréttir, RÚV's daily news programme for younger viewers. Darren spoke to one of the programme's two hosts, Kolbrún María Másdóttir, and editor Karitas Mörtudóttir Bjarkadóttir, about putting together a news programme for a younger audience. However, today's episode from RÚV English was actually prompted by listener Helen, who got in touch partly as she uses Krakkafréttir to help her learn Icelandic! Krakkafréttir is broadcast five days a week on RÚV and can be watched here too - https://www.ruv.is/krakkaruv/renningur/krakkafrettir Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today, RÚV English travels to Borgarnes to find out about comedy in the town and in the capital. A quick glance at the website comedyiniceland.com will confirm no shortage of opportunities to laugh at English-language comedy in Iceland. The site is run by comedian Dan Zerin, a regular presence on the stand-up circuit in Reykjavík. Darren is joined by Dan and his collaborator Jess Marie - together they are bringing regular comedy shows to Borgarnes, due to start later this month. Jess is also working with future podcast guest and artist Michelle Bird on an arts festival due to come to the town in February of next year. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Holiday Monday brings a new episode of The Week In Iceland to The RÚV English Podcast. Darren's guest today is his RÚV colleague Haukur Holm. In an episode recorded on Friday, they assess the state of the case of the Hafnarfjörður killing, discuss hopes that a protective genotype might eliminate scrapie in Icelandic sheep, the sudden return of winter last week, and Akureyri getting its long hoped for 20,000th resident. The show plays out with Echo, by Icelandic-Austrian singer Thorsteinn Einarsson. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou joins Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. Today we examine the "golden oldies" - the crooners who emerged in Iceland in the fifties from the dancehalls, just before rock'n'roll moved in. Songs played on today's show: Erla Þorsteinsdóttir & Haukur Morthens - Þrek og tár Óðinn Valdimarsson - Ég er kominn heim Ellý Vilhjálms - Vegir liggja til allra átta Ragnar Bjarnason - Komdu í kvöld Guðrún Á. Símonar - Siboney Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on The RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið - the news written and read in simple Icelandic. Atli joins Darren to look at claims that Reykjavík City may have acted unlawfully. Follow the story as it's read, here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-26-reykjavikur-borg-braut-log - as ever, we start just under the image. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
Today on The RÚV English Podcast, Darren's guest is aviation journalist Andrei Menshenin, making a return visit to the show. Iceland's northern capital was first served by air in 1928 - or perhaps more accurately, by air and sea, as the first services saw seaplanes land on the water at Eyjafjörður near downtown Akureyri. It wasn't until the 1950s that construction of an airport began. Andrei tells Darren about the history of flight to Iceland's north, the current plans to expand Akureyri Airport further, and what are hopefully only temporary difficulties for two airlines looking to expand international flights to and from the airport. (And very special thanks to Andrei for coming in to the show on his birthday!) Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish
Today, The RÚV English Podcast visits the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, in West Iceland. In two of the town's oldest buildings, The Settlement Centre recreates Iceland's earliest days and introduces visitors to one of the best known heroes of the Icelandic Sagas. Rather than a traditional museum, the Settlement Centre is an installation. Multi-media and theatrical techniques help the visitor experience first hand the excitement of setting sail. There are two exhibitions - one tells the story of the first settlers, the other reveals the story of Iceland's most important saga - Egils Saga. Egill Skalla-Grimson was a famous Viking and poet, and his saga is closely linked to the settlement period, as his father was one of the first settlers. Darren meets up with the founders and owners, Sigríður Margrét Guðmundsdóttir and Kjartan Ragnarsson, to find out more about the Centre, which has been a much-loved part of Borgarnes since 2006. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
We start the week on The RÚV English Podcast service with a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Today, Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Pétur Magnússon. The news continues to be dominated by investigations into the killing of a Polish man in Hafnarfjörður. Darren and Pétur discuss that, as well as the vitamin and melatonin gummies that have poisoned some children, the fright that so many Mastercard customers had in Iceland when they thought they were being overcharged by vast sums for their purchases, and the naming and opening of Edda - the Icelandic House at the University, now a reality after more than fifteen years of planning. The episode plays out with a new solo single by Hatari's Klemens Hannigan - Never Loved Someone So Much - which was released last week. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
The fiftieth episode from The RÚV English Podcast service is part of our series on Icelandic music, in its many genres. Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou joins Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. In future weeks we will explore pop, the "golden oldies" of the 50s and 60s, Icelandic indie, and much more. (And yes - an Iceland-in-Eurovision special coming too!) Today we examine classical music in Iceland. Music played on today's show: "Heyr, himna smiður", text by Kolbeinn Tumason (written 1208), music composed by Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson in 1970s. Performed by The Royal Danish Academy of Music Voices "Hekla, Op. 52", Leifs, Jón (1899-1868). Performed by Iceland Symphony Orchestra; conductor En Shao "Veröld fláa sýnir sig", performed by Hamrahlíðarkórinn "Fjalladrottning móðir mín", performed by Karlakórinn vísir "Öldurót", by Ólafur Arnalds, featuring Atli Örvarsson, SinfoniaNord "Sensus Terrae (Voice of Katla)", Högni Egilsson: composer, lyricist, synthesiser, GDRN (Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð Jóhannesdóttir): solo voice, Cantoque Ensemble: choir Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Darren got a surprise today. He knew it was the first day of summer - but not that he had the day off. The first day of summer is marked as a public holiday in Iceland, even if today's overcast conditions don't exactly make the place feel summery. Darren's colleague Alexander Kristjánsson joined him to talk about the day off! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
New Icelandic film Driving Mum (Á Ferð með Mömmu) is a critical and commercial hit. Film scholar Oddný Sen joins Darren to take a look. The death of Jon's mother forces him to take on a journey with her corpse in the backseat to fulfill her last wish. Brezhnev - a dog - comes along, and this trip will be the gamechanger Jon never dreamt of. Shot in black and white and set in 1980, the film captures an Iceland rather less exciting, eventful or even glamorous than we've become used to in recent years - but no less starkly beautiful. Film scholar Oddný Sen is back on The RÚV English Podcast to talk about the film, which has seen its run at Reykjavík's iconic Bíó Paradís cinema extended - https://bioparadis.is/kvikmyndir/a-ferd-med-mommu-driving-mum/ But don't miss it! Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Emilia Telese, born in Italy and living and working in Reykjavík, is an award-winning artist, writer and academic. Today, she is Darren's guest on The RÚV English Podcast. Her most recent exhibition in Iceland was FERNA - a new series of etchings which was shown for the first time at Ìslensk Grafìk - The Association of Icelandic Printmakers in Hafnarhúsið, Reykjavík. Combining her Florentine training on Renaissance techniques with her practice as a conceptual artist over the past 25 years, Emilia has created a series of works on multi-layer beverage cartons, including milk cartons which, if not recycled, would have gone to landfill. Emilia told Darren about her work with used milk cartons, but also about her lengthy career as an artist, here in Iceland and elsewhere. She also - with immense patience - guided Darren through some printworking of his own! You can find out more about Emilia's art, and past and future exhibitions, by going here - https://art.emiliatelese.com/ Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren's guest is journalist Kolbeinn Dalrymple, making a return visit to the show. They discuss the arrest in Brazil of Sverrir Þór "Sveddi Tönn" Gunnarsson, developments in the scrapie outbreak, the fall in worldwide petrol prices which don't seem to be reaching Iceland, the hopes for cheap post-Páska chocolate - and the hairy Huskies earning their keep in the North! Today's episode plays out with Kæri heimur by FLOTT. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Our new Icelandic music history show continues on The RÚV English Podcast service today. Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou joins Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. In future weeks we will explore choral, pop, classical, the "golden oldies" of the 50s and 60s, Icelandic indie, and much more. (And yes - Eurovision too!) Today we examine folk music - and the very particular form of music called rímur - in Iceland. Tracks played on today's show: Uppi í háa hamrinum býr huldukona by unknown performer Stóðum Tvö Túni, played by Ryan Koons Steindór Andersen & Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson - Móðurjörd, Mansöngur úr Núma rímum Lækurinn by Spilmenn Ríkínís Ó mín flaskan friða by Ylja Alla hrinda hörðum by Ríma Find Ríma on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/1j5YvVtDt6OHbJooKVqZm9?si=BP8GTlXARq6HmU8aQmv-Jw Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, an episode of Auðskilið - the news in easy-to-understand Icelandic. Atli joins Darren to read the original story about airline Niceair having to cancel flights from Akureyri. Follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-05-nice-air-aflysir-ollu-flugi - as ever, we start just after the photo. And find more news in simple Icelandic at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Jaclyn Poucel Árnason is an American artist, mother, and former footballer, living in Akranes with her husband and daughter. Jaclyn is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the United States, but has made her husband's hometown of Akranes her home too. Darren travelled to her exhibition in Akranes to see her work and hear her story - and to learn of her plans to bring a new permanent gallery to the town. Learn more about Jaclyn and sample her work at https://www.jaclynarnasonart.com/ Say hello to RÚV English any time at english@ruv.is or find us on Twitter at @RUVEnglish
Today, on a bonus episode of Auðskilið, Atli joins Darren to go through the sudden demise of daily newspaper Fréttablaðið, in simple, easy-to-understand Icelandic. Follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-03-frettabladid-haettir-utgafu - we start just after the image. Check out the news in simple Icelandic any time - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Darren's guest today is Josie Gaitens, formerly of The Reykjavík Grapevine. They discuss some of what's been happening on the island in recent days: Jodie Foster's delight with her time spent here, Icelandair's difficulties over its flight attendent rating app, the return of Þór the walrus to Iceland and a black goose found in the capital, and new hopes that bad weather in the future won't cause quite as much travel chaos as it has this year. The show plays out with Sama og þegið by Ívar Bjarklind. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Our new Icelandic music history show continues on The RÚV English Podcast service today. Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou will join Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. In future weeks we will explore choral, pop, classical, folk and rímur, the "golden oldies" of the 50s and 60s, Icelandic indie, and much more. (And yes - Eurovision too!) Today we examine jazz in Iceland. Tracks played on the show today: Dansað í lauginni by Tómas R. Einarsson Bacalau by ADHD Kysstu Mig Að Morgni by Stína Ágústsdóttir Vesala by Iceland's Liberation Orchestra Fragile by Laufey Garden Party by Mezzoforte (clip) Gefðu að móðurmálið mitt by Sigurður Flosason Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Today, on the first of many people's Easter days off, Atli joins Darren to go through the Easter story and customs, in simple, easy-to-understand Icelandic. Follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-04-nu-er-dymbil-vika - and we start just after the chick and eggs! Check out the news in simple Icelandic any time - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid - and listen for a bonus edition of Auðskilið next Tuesday. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Pálina moved from Mexico City to Iceland, and now shares her knowledge of her new country, and help for new arrivals, with Spanish speakers everywhere, on her YouTube channel and blogs. Today on The RÚV English Podcast, she shares her story with Darren. Find all of Pálina's content at https://linktr.ee/lavikingamexicana Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
The pop, rock, hip hop and electronic Album Of The Year at this year's Icelandic Music Awards is Ungfrú Ísland by Kvikindi - but if you want to buy a copy on vinyl and truly immerse yourself in its spikily eclectic yet melodic luxuries, you're out of luck. At least, so far. Kvikindi, the duo of Brynhildur Karlsdóttir and Friðrik Margrétar-Guðmundsson, have launched a crowdfunder with Karolina Fund. They want to expand their prize-winning album's horizons beyond the world of streaming, and release it on vinyl. You can pledge for a copy of the record, a t-shirt, a signed lyric book or even a private concert by the band. (If the target isn't hit, you don't pay a krona.) Brynhildur joins Darren to talk about the album, the success of the band so far, the appeal of vinyl and how that physical record might come into being with the help of supporters. Find out more about the Karolina Fund crowdfunder here - https://www.karolinafund.com/project/view/5916 Kvikindi will play Westfjords festival Aldrei fór ég suður this weekend, and Iceland Airwaves in the capital later this year. They will also appear on Studio RÚV in the next couple of weeks. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren's guest is Valur Grettisson, former editor of Grapevine magazine (sadly appearing today without superstar dog Pollý). They discuss a week of avalanches, with mercifully no injuries and a slow, hopeful return to normal in the Eastfjords, the unsurprising failure of a no-confidence motion in the Justice Minister, the Government's budget and plans to fight inflation, and the sudden demise of newspaper Fréttablaðið. Today's show plays out with Dots, by Akureyri-based Anton Bark. Email RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
A brand new show comes to The RÚV English Podcast service today. Every Friday, music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou will join Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. We will explore choral, pop, classical, folk and rímur, the "golden oldies" of the 50s and 60s, Icelandic indie, and much more. (And yes - a special Eurovision edition is on the way too!) Today we examine electronic music in Iceland. Tracks played on the show today: Elektrónísk Stúdía: Sínutónar Og Hljóðfæri by Magnús Blöndal Jóhannsson (clip) Higher by GusGus ft. VÖK Ionia by Ben Frost This 5321 by Bjarki Feels So Real To Be Human by TRPTYCH Look by AAIIEENN Say hi to RÚV English - english@ruv.is - or on Twitter @RUVEnglish
Today, Darren's guest on The RÚV English Podcast is film historian, writer and teacher Oddný Sen, who along with her work at the Icelandic Film School, is the project manager of film education in primary and secondary schools at Reykjavík's iconic cinema Bíó Paradís. She studied film studies, film history and filmmaking at the University of Paris and graduated with a master's degree and a PhD. She talks to Darren about teaching the secrets of cinema, and some of the best and biggest Icelandic films of recent years. Say hi to RÚV English at english@ruv.is or on Twitter @RUVEnglish
Every week, the foreign news desk here at RÚV produces a radio program, and a podcast, about foreign affairs and world events. The programme is called HEIMSKVIÐUR, and is broadcast on Rás 1 on Saturday afternoons. Here on the RÚV English Podcast service we strive to bring not just Iceland but RÚV to the world in English, and many of the interviews that are recorded for HEIMSKVIÐUR happen in English. Occasionally here on the Podcast, you'll have the chance to hear some of those interviews, in full, in English. Recently, Björn Malmquist, one of the presenters on that show, former The Week In Iceland guest, and RÚV's Brussels-based correspondent, spoke to Rachel King, Curator of the European Renaissance and the Waddesdon Bequest at the British Museum in London. In 2019, a heart shaped pendant was found in Warwickshire by metal detectorist Charlie Clarke. What he had discovered was a huge and spectacular early Tudor pendant and chain, made in gold and enamel and bearing the initials and symbols of Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Rachel told Björn about the pendant, and its incredible discovery. Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is and on Twitter @RUVEnglish
Today, Atli returns to the RÚV English Podcast service to join Darren for a new episode of Auðskilið. It's a chance to hear a current news story, written and read by Atli in simple, "easy to understand" Icelandic. Today, the avalanches* which fell in East Iceland yesterday. Follow the story as Atli reads it (find it here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-03-27-snjoflod-i-neskaupstad) and listen as each line is translated to English. We start just below the photo on that page. Find lots more news written in simple Icelandic at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid Get in touch with RÚV English - english@ruv.is - and find us on Twitter @RUVEnglish * snjóflóð - which to an English speaking or reading eye looks a bit like "snow flood"
Today Darren is joined by Ingólfur Bjarni Sigfússon from RÚV's award-winning investigative current affairs show Kveikur. They discuss Monday's avalanches in East Iceland, the tragic death of a tourist at Glymur waterfall, proposals to charge motorists per-kilometre as they drive, and one union's concerns about ever-rising housing costs in Iceland. The episode plays out with Icelandic electronic legends GusGus, and their new track Into The Strange. Say hello to RÚV English - english@ruv.is - or find us on Twitter @RUVEnglish
Today on The RÚV English Podcast service, Darren's guest is the EU Ambassador to Iceland, Lucie Samcová-Hall Allen. Lucie tells Darren about her move to Iceland, what drew and led her to spend time living and working here, and discusses Iceland's close relationship with the EU as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). Get in touch with RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Birta Björnsdóttir to discuss new parking charges at Jökulsárlón, the dangers of mobile phone blackspots in North East Iceland, the surprisingly high number of unregistered dogs in Reykjavík, and - despite all that, perhaps - Iceland being the third happiest nation on the planet. Today's show plays out with Lilies by Snæfríður ft. BNGRBOY & takkjesú Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
March 23rd sees the launch of this year's Stockfish Film Festival at Reykjavík's iconic Bíó Paradís cinema. It is the film industry's festival in Iceland. It was founded in 2015, as a reincarnation of the Reykjavík Film Festival (Kvikmyndahátíð í Reykjavík), which was established in 1978. The festival aims to create a platform in Reykjavík to encourage collaboration between domestic and international film communities, and gives an opportunity to see some of the most up-and-coming art-house films in the world. Also, with the support from the Icelandic Film Centre, a "Work in Progress" presentation will showcase works from the latest Icelandic film and TV productions. Darren is joined by Artistic director HRÖNN KRISTINSDÓTTIR and Managing director CAROLINA SALAS for a look at all the festival will offer! Find out more and see the line-up at https://stockfishfestival.is and find updates on the festival Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stockfishfilmfestival Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Today on The RÚV English Podcast service, Darren talks to Helen Billington and June Scholtz. They've been friends for over thirty years, which is also how long they've lived in Iceland. June came to Iceland from South Africa in the mid-eighties and Helen moved from Yorkshire a year later. The good friends live with their respective families in Hellissandur on Snæfellsnes in West Iceland. After a chance meeting with Helen at the Ólafsvík swimming pool where she works, Darren caught up with her again, and June, to hear their stories of having been "New" Icelanders for almost seventy years between them! Say hello any time to RÚV English - english@ruv.is
Where else could you so easily learn the Icelandic word for "walrus"? Today on the RÚV English Podcast service, Atli and Darren look at the story of the walrus we now know as Þór, from the moment of his arrival in Breiðdalsvík a couple of weeks ago. As ever, the story is read and re-read slowly, as it is written - follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-02-24-rostungur-a-breiddalsvik. We start just below the photo! Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is ( it's "rostungur"...)
The thirst for knowledge took Alex Tyas from the UK to the Iceland, when eight years ago she signed up to study in the country's Westfjords. Happily, and despite a pretty disorientating flight to Ísafjörður's airport - with its interesting approach - it was love at first sight. Today on the RÚV English Podcast, she tells Darren about her life in the Westfjords, as a New Icelander, and the many happy times she's had enjoying the area's iconic music festival Aldrei fór ég suður. Get in touch with RÚV English - english@ruv.is
The Icelandic Cricket Association has nearly twice as many Twitter followers (@icelandcricket) as the Icelandic Prime Minister, so they must be doing something right. Starting virtually from scratch, they have grown the sport in Iceland to the point where five clubs now compete and Iceland is closing in on membership of the ICC, cricket's governing body. How did the sport develop in a country known for its love of other ball games - principally those involving hands and feet? Icelandic Cricket Association chair Bala Kamallakharan joins Darren to explain. Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV Polski service colleague Margrét Adamsdóttir, to look back on a week of suspended strikes, dangerous potholes, the felling of a radio giant. rescued deer and a departing walrus. Thrillingly, as the conversation was recorded on Friday, the Söngvakeppnin result remained unknown! Say hi to RÚV English - we are english@ruv.is
Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a conversation with Meiting Nevæh Qin, Research & Development Project Manager at the Arctic Green Energy Corporation. Meiting moved to Iceland from China three years ago, and on today's show she tells Darren about her work bringing Iceland's geothermal knowledge to her home country: some two million Chinese homes are now heated using geothermal energy. She also shares her love of Icelandic music and what she loves about her new home. If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a New Icelander, or if you just want to get in touch with RÚV English for any reason, email english@ruv.is
So who will it be? Who gets to take their song to the Eurovision Song Contest and hopefully score Iceland's first ever win? The job of revealing the answer falls to Söngvakeppnin co-host Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson, and his colleagues Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir and previous podcast guest Siggi Gunnars. Today Unnsteinn joins Darren to talk about his own route to hosting the show, final preparations for Saturday's huge final, and putting the performers at ease before their big moment. Unnsteinn also explains how - if you're in Iceland - you can help select the song that will represent the country in May. Find the five Söngvakeppnin finalists right here - https://www.ruv.is/songvakeppnin And watch the show wherever you are! 7.45pm this Saturday. Of course it's on RÚV in Iceland, or anywhere else at https://www.ruv.is/sjonvarp/dagskra/ruv/2023-03-04/5291552 Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
The RÚV English Podcast service reaches its twentieth episode today, in the company of Shilpa Khatri Babbar. Shilpa is the ICCR Chair of Indian Studies at Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland), and last year at home in Delhi, got an offer to come to Iceland to live and work. The chance came out of the blue, and she took it! Shilpa tells Darren Adam about her impressions of Iceland, and how she's been struck by similarities between Iceland and her home country of India. Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Today sees a new episode of The Week In Iceland from The RÚV English Podcast service. Darren's guest today is journalist Andie Sophia Fontaine. Andie is a familiar and much-loved face to those with an interest in Iceland, and has been reporting in and on the country for two decades. Under the spotlight today: the ongoing Efling/SA dispute and imminent "work ban", or lockout, the fire at the Arctic Fish buildings in Tálknafjörður, high prices and taxes on food and fuel in Iceland, the announcement of the first acts for this year's Iceland Airwaves, and - staying with music - the second Söngvakeppnin semi-final. All five remaining finalists can be heard here - https://www.ruv.is/songvakeppnin - and today's episode plays out with the three songs revealed on Saturday to have progressed to the final. Sat hi to RÚV English anytime - english@ruv.is
Today from the RÚV English Podcast service, another episode of Auðskilið - the news read in simple and slow Icelandic, as written by Atli Sigþórsson for the RÚV website. In today's edition, the fate of the "little auks" - small seabirds that got blown far off course and inland by the recent strong winds - and the difficulties of translating phrases such as the name of the birds' actual species. Read along with every word here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-02-08-sjofuglar-langt-inni-i-landi We start just after the photo on that page. Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Reykjavík city centre has played host to an airport for over 100 years, predating the international facility at Keflavík by a couple of decades. Its past and beginnings are fascinating, its present and future sometimes controversial. Today on the RÚV English Podcast, Darren is joined by aviation journalist Andrei Menshenin, who details the history of Reykjavík's city centre airport, and offers his own personal views as to its possible future. Say hello to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Today on the RÚV English Podcast service, an attempt to go back to first principles and explain a story which seems more complex every day. The wage dispute between union Efling and business body SA is never far from the headlines, with court battles seemingly always raging over the legality of various actions and plans. But how did this start? What exactly is SA - who does it represent? And what of Efling, the union at the heart of the dispute? With no question too daft to ask, Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Pétur Magnússon to go right back to the start and explain what's going on. Our conversation was recorded just after 4pm on Wednesday 22 February, so here's the situation as it was right at that moment. Catch up before it all changes again. Say hi to RÚV English at english@ruv.is
Today on the RÚV English Podcast, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by journalist Kolbeinn Dalrymple, making a return guest appearance on The Week In Iceland. We (try to) keep up with the dizzying pace of events in the Efling/SA dispute, look at some of the projects in rural parts of Iceland receiving grants from the government, revisit the controversy over the English language appearing before Icelandic on signs, and yes, review the first Söngvakeppnin semi-final. The show plays out with two songs today - both were selected on Saturday to advance to the Söngvakeppnin final. Hear Lifandi inni í mér by Diljá, and Stundum snýst heimurinn gegn þér by BRAGI. Say hi to RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Mid-February marks the end of the month of Þorri, the fourth winter month in the old Icelandic calendar. In (relatively) modern times, "Þorrablót" parties and celebrations of the month were introduced in the 19th century and have been popular ever since, accompanied by lots of traditional foods called Þorramatur. Liver sausage, fermented shark, sour ram's testicles and boiled sheep head are just some of the delicacies enjoyed during Þorri - although not exclusively at this time. But how did we get here? How did such unusual foods become part of the Icelandic diet, and why are they still so popular today that you can pick them up in any halfway decently sized Icelandic supermarket? Iceland's cheese queen and all round culinary goddess Eirný Sigurðardóttir joins Darren as the fourth winter month draws to a close, and explains that actually, Þorramatur isn't necessarily just for Þorri. Get in touch with RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Today from the RÚV English Podcast service, another episode of the always popular Auðskilið. Atli, writer of the "easy to understand" section of ruv.is, takes a look at the recent floods and the damage they've caused to many of Iceland's roads - in simple, easy to understand Icelandic. Read along with this story with Atli and Darren at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-02-14-flod-a-vesturhluta-landsins-i-gaer And say hi any time to RÚV English - email english@ruv.is
Anthony Bacigalupo fell in love with Iceland while visiting from his native California towards the end of the century's first decade. Then he fell in love with, and married, Ýr, from Hafnarfjörður. They've been there ever since. Anthony and Ýr curate The Shed, a welcoming space in the garden of their Hafnarfjörður home, and where every year, they light Iceland's biggest Christmas tree. Darren joined Anthony (and super friendly dog Lúka) in The Shed to hear about his journey from California to Iceland, his life with Ýr and his family since, and what he thinks it takes to move and live here, and become a New Icelander. Despite it being February, and to Darren's delight, everything still looked and felt very festive. If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a New Icelander, or if you just want to get in touch with RÚV English for any reason, email english@ruv.is
Today on the RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou from her home in Siglufjörður to look back over a week which saw interest rates rise to battle stubborn inflation, the use of some very creative baking techniques to launch sex education week in schools, delays announced to the expansion of Akureyri Airport, and the recall of a certain cooking aid from Icelandic shelves. Lydia also talks about a new strand coming soon to the RÚV English Podcast service, which will trace the histories of various musical genres on this incredibly creative island. Today's show plays out with "Don't Be Sad" by Seabear. Say hello! Get in touch with RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Today on the RÚV English Podcast, Darren looks ahead to an event at the Nordic House on February 23, where four short films on the theme of displacement, home and belonging will be shown as part of "L I M I N A L I T Y" - a seminar and a showcase of the collaborative cross border creative project Moving Classics Sonic Flux. Along with partners in Iceland, UK, Cyprus and Norway it has worked over the last three years on six artistic projects, with several artists from different countries. Ágústa Þórarinsdóttir heads the project and joins Darren from her home in Manchester, UK, to preview the event and discuss the films. The event is in English and after the screenings, which include Q&As with the filmmakers, guests are encouraged to stay, mingle and enjoy! The films you can see are: Steinrunninn (Petrified) by Chris Paul Daniels (UK) and Anton Kaldal (IS) A Green Line by Maria Anastassiou (CY) and Brice Catherin (FR) No Place Like Home by Jez Dolan (UK) and Michael Betteridge (UK) Liminality by Pálínu Jónsdóttir (IS), Ewa Marcinek (PL), Halldór Smárason (IS) and Martyna Daniel (PL) See the films at 5pm on February 23 at the Nordic House in Reykjavík. More details are available at https://nordichouse.is/en/event/l-i-m-i-n-a-l-i-t-y-a-seminar-and-a-screening/
Here at the RÚV English Podcast we know how difficult it can be to learn Icelandic. Hearing it often, slowly and simply can be a great help. RÚV's Atli Sigþórsson looks after the Auðskilið ("easy to understand") pages of the RÚV website, writing the news in a simplified form of Icelandic for anyone who might find that useful. We will regularly go through some of those pages with Atli and see what we can pick up. Today, a look at the 49,000 Icelandic citizens who don't live here, and the recent good news for northern felines! You can read the news in simplified Icelandic any time at ruv.is/audskilid
Every week, the foreign news desk here at RÚV produces a radio program, and a podcast, about foreign affairs and world events. The programme is called Heimskviður, and is broadcast on Rás 1 on Saturday afternoons. Many of the interviews that are recorded happen in English, and here on the RÚV English Podcast, we'll occasionally play some of those interviews, in full, in English. Last weekend - and before the tragic earthquake which has caused such devastation in Turkey and Syria - Björn Malmquist, Foreign Correspondent at RÚV and my The Week In Iceland guest this week (see episode 7), looked at politics in Turkey, focusing on the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in May, with an interview with Asli Aydintasbas - she is a well known analyst at the Brookings Institute in Washington, she's a former television journalist with CNN Turkey and writes opinion columns for the Washington Post. Asli told Bjorn about what's happening in Turkey, about President Erdogan and his party, the AKP, and their standing in the polls now, three and a half months before the election. Get in touch with RÚV English any time - just email english@ruv.is
The Week In Iceland continues as part of the new RÚV English Podcast service, and Darren's guest today is RÚV Foreign Correspondent Björn Malmquist. Darren and Björn take a look at the storm passing over Iceland as they spoke, the state of play in the long running and ever more complicated Efling-SA dispute, plans to sell the Icelandic Coast Guard's plane TF-SIF, and the difficulty of making a simple mobile phone call in parts of the country. They also look ahead to occasional new programmes coming soon to the RÚV English Podcast, featuring the best of the English-language interviews recorded by the foreign news team. Today's show plays out with "Þú ert aldrei einn" by Marta Kristín Friðriksdóttir. Get in touch with RÚV English any time - english@ruv.is
Iceland Airwaves, the annual festival of live music from here and elsewhere, picked up the Best Indoor Festival award at the recent European Festival Awards in Groningen in the Netherlands. It marks a great start to a year in which the festival should be truly back and better than ever after Covid so utterly - but hopefully only temporarily - changed the landscape for live music. Iceland Airwaves crams the capital's venues full of live music for three days each November. Today on the RÚV English Podcast, Darren catches up with Festival Director Ísleifur Þórhallsson, to find out more about this essential fixture in Iceland's musical calendar, as it approaches its quarter-century. The episode plays out with "Headlights", from Vök's self-titled 2022 album. The band are no stranger to the Airwaves stages.
Here at the RÚV English Podcast we know how difficult it can be to learn Icelandic. Hearing it often, slowly and simply can be a great help. RÚV's Atli Sigþórsson looks after the Auðskilið ("easy to understand") pages of the RÚV website, writing the news in a simplified form of Icelandic for anyone who might find that useful. We will regularly go through some of those pages with Atli and see what we can pick up. Today, a look back at the simplified form of RÚV's recent coverage of the Heimaey eruptions from fifty years ago. You can read the news in simplified Icelandic any time at ruv.is/audskilid
Last Saturday, the ten songs which will compete for the right to represent Iceland in this year's Eurovision Song Contest were unveiled on Lögin í Söngvakeppnin, here on RÚV. Within a few weeks, and with your help, the winning song will be selected. Siggi Gunnarsson, head of music and host on Rás 2, is also now one of the presenters of the Söngvakeppnin shows, and as a lifelong Eurovision fan who has literally dreamt of doing this job, he is officially Iceland's most excited person, He joins Darren to talk about his love of the show, preview those ten big songs, and tell him how you can get involved by voting and even coming to the shows. Hear all the songs in full at ruv.is/songvakeppnin
Today on the RÚV English Podcast, Darren speaks to poet Jakub Stachowiak, who moved to Iceland from his native Poland in 2016. He works, thinks and writes in Icelandic, having utterly mastered the language which he tells Darren has "liberated" him in so many ways. His books of Icelandic poetry are "Næturborgir" and "úti bíður skáldleg veröld". Jakub is the first "new Icelander" to guest on the RÚV English Podcast. If you, or someone you know, has a story to share about moving to Iceland and making the country home, get in touch at english@ruv.is
The RÚV English Podcast also sees the return of The Week In Iceland, which will feature as one of the strands of the new service. Each week we will take a look at some of the most significant news from, and in, the country. These shows will usually appear on Mondays, but we couldn't wait to get today's guest on! Darren is joined by former TWII host and RÚV Englishee Alex Elliott for his take on the week's news, and to have the RÚV English baton officially handed over! Today we look at the shortest meeting in the history of Iceland's state mediator (and the likely consequences of the ongoing stalemate between Efling and SA), last weekend's gale force winds and the many hours stuck on the Keflavík tarmac, the Icelandic PM in Berlin and German chancellor coming here, and we preview the first big Eurovision weekend, as the ten songs battling to represent Iceland are unveiled on Saturday. We play out today with You Complete Me, from Faroese-but-Reykjavík-based Sakaris' new EP Domestik Disko 106.
In the first episode from the brand new RÚV English podcast service, Darren Adam travels to Geysir to meet sound artist Kaśka Paluch, creator of the Noise From Iceland online sound map. The site allows you to virtually travel around Iceland, listening to the sounds of the country. Darren joins Kaśka as she records new sounds at Geysir, and explains the inspiration behind the site, as well as describing some of the difficulties of capturing the nation in sound and choosing her favourite "noises from Iceland". Kaśka's sound map is at noisefromiceland.com Get in touch with RÚV English at english@ruv.is